For immediate release
Amherst, Nova Scotia, February 22, 2012 – Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, today announced that the Government of Canada building located at 38–40 Havelock Street, Amherst, Nova Scotia, will be named the Enos Collins Building in recognition of his contribution during the War of 1812.
“I am delighted that this building is being named in honour of Enos Collins, who played a crucial role in the War of the 1812,” said Minister Ambrose. “Collins contributed greatly to the war by disrupting American supply routes and depleting their merchant marine capacity.”
Constructed in 1975, this building is a significant landmark in Amherst, Nova Scotia. It is used by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Canada Post, and Natural Resources Canada. It is employed for office, industrial, warehouse, storage, and workshop purposes.
During the naming ceremony, MP Armstrong unveiled a commemorative plaque that will adorn the building. “Enos Collins was part owner of three privateer ships, including the Liverpool Packet, which captured 50 American merchant vessels for the British,” MP Armstrong stated. “Not only did he contribute immensely to our victory in the War of 1812, but he was also well-known in the community for his contributions to several charities in the Halifax region.”
This event is part of several commemoration activities taking place to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. The anniversary is an opportunity for all Canadians to take pride in our country’s traditions and history. The end of the war laid the foundation for Confederation and Canada’s ultimate emergence as an independent nation in North America.
As a young boy, Enos Collins went to sea aboard his father’s ship. His ambition eventually led him to become part owner of multiple vessels trading out of the thriving seaport of Liverpool, Nova Scotia. During the War of 1812, Collins was a co-owner of the Liverpool Packet, which became famous for capturing 50 American merchant vessels for the British. At that time, he also founded the Halifax Banking Company, which is known today as the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce.
For more information on Enos Collins and the War of 1812, please visit 1812.gc.ca.
-30-
Ce texte est également disponible en français.
For more information, media may contact:
Amber Irwin
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
819-997-5421
Media Relations
Public Works and Government Services Canada
819-956-2315
PWGSC news releases are also available on our Internet site at http://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/medias-media/index-eng.html.
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PWGSC_TPSGC.
